42 pages 1 hour read

Forrest Carter

The Education of Little Tree

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1976

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Education of Little Tree follows a young boy named Little Tree, who moves to the Tennessee mountains to live with his Cherokee grandparents after his mother’s death. They teach him about nature, cultural heritage, and survival skills through various experiences, including farming, fishing, and whiskey-making. The narrative includes sensitive topics such as racial prejudice and the loss of loved ones.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Education of Little Tree by Forrest Carter offers a vivid portrayal of a young boy’s experiences growing up with his Cherokee grandparents in the 1930s. Praised for its heartfelt narrative and cultural insights, it has also faced criticism for historical inaccuracies and the author's controversial background. The book remains divisive yet impactful in its storytelling.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Education of Little Tree?

Readers who cherish heartfelt coming-of-age stories with rich cultural themes will enjoy The Education of Little Tree by Forrest Carter. Fans of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and Wilson Rawls’s Where the Red Fern Grows will appreciate its themes of innocence, nature, and the deep bond between a young boy and his grandparents.

Recommended

Reading Age

12-18years

Lexile Level

890L

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Coming of Age / Bildungsroman

Children's Literature

Themes

Relationships: Grandparents

Natural World: Environment

Society: Education

Topics

Education